Flood Protection Fact Sheet
Issue
Approximately 70 miles of levees that protect Yuba City and Live Oak from flooding have been
improved but do not meet new, higher federal standards established after Katrina and other
floods involving levee breaks.
Evaluation
Core sampling began October, 2006, and continues through summer, 2007, to identify levee
reaches at risk. Evaluations using the sampling data will be used to "accredit"
reaches of the levee and help plan levee improvement projects.
Standards
FEMA requires that levee systems protect against the "100-year-flood" standard, meaning
the levees would be strong enough to withstand a flood with a 1 % chance of occurring in any
one year. Sutter County, Yuba City have set a goal of having levees to protect against a
"200-year-flood" (0.5 % chance of occurrence).
Historical perspective
Sutter County experienced major flooding 15 times during the 20th Century. Most recent
levee breaks occurred in 1955 at Yuba City and Nicolaus; in 1986 at Linda and Olivehurst
(both Yuba County); and in 1997 at Meridian and Arboga (Yuba County). Yuba City evacuated
more than 24,000 residents prior to the 1997 event.
Responsibility
The State Reclamation Board owns and oversees all "project levees" developed as part
of the federally-funded Sacramento River Flood Control Project. The U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers shares regulatory oversight with Reclamation Board. State Maintenance Areas and
local levee and reclamation districts have responsibility for maintaining the levees.
Funding
The State and Federal Government provide some funding for flood protection. Even with passage
of Propositions 1E and 84, the need is far greater than the available funding. Local governments
are expected to share the costs. Cities and the County will explore options for raising
necessary local share.
Timeline
- Urban levee evaluation to continue through summer, 2007.
-
FEMA maps designating risk by zones also to take effect in 2007/08.
New maps will reflect lack of FEMA levee accreditation, and will therefore mandate flood
insurance for many residents of the Yuba City basin, affect insurance rates
for current policy holders, and spur building restrictions.
- Projects design to begin early 2008. Construction to begin 2009, continuing for several years.
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